What Ford's Build and Price tool does

Ford's Build and Price is an online configurator on Ford's website where you select a vehicle model, choose options and colors, and see the price update in real time. You do not purchase through it — instead, you build a configuration you like, then either print it, email it to yourself, or take it to a Ford dealer to order. The tool shows you what features cost extra, what comes standard, and what the final price will be before you commit to anything.

The process takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how many choices you make. At the end, you get a summary sheet with your selections, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and a code or link you can share with a dealer. Some people use it to compare two or three different configurations side by side before deciding which one to order.

Key Takeaways

  • Ford's Build and Price tool is free and requires no account — you can start configuring a vehicle and walk away without saving anything.
  • The price shown is the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price), not the actual dealer price you will pay after negotiation or incentives.
  • You can save your configuration by creating a free Ford account, or print and email it without an account.
  • Once you have a configuration you like, you can contact a local Ford dealer to order that exact vehicle or negotiate the price.
  • The tool does not reserve a vehicle or lock in a price — it is a planning and comparison tool only.

How to start building a vehicle

Go to Ford.com and look for the "Build and Price" link, usually in the top navigation or under the vehicle models section. Click it and you will see a list of current Ford models — trucks, SUVs, sedans, and vans depending on what Ford is selling that year. Select the model you are interested in.

Next, you choose a trim level. Each model has several trims (like XL, XLT, Lariat, Platinum) that come with different standard features and price points. The tool shows you what each trim includes, so you can compare. Once you pick a trim, the configurator moves to the next step: exterior color and wheel options.

From there, you work through interior colors, seat materials, technology packages, towing packages, and any other options Ford offers for that model. Each choice updates the price at the bottom of the screen. You can go back and change any selection at any time.

Understanding the price shown

The price displayed is the MSRP — what Ford suggests dealers charge. This is not the price you will actually pay. Dealers negotiate, offer discounts, and explore incentives that change the final cost. Some dealers charge above MSRP; others discount below it depending on demand, inventory, and your negotiating position.

The MSRP shown also does not include destination charges (the cost to ship the vehicle from the factory to the dealer), taxes, registration, or dealer fees. When you contact a dealer, ask them to break down the total cost including all of these. The Build and Price tool is useful for understanding the base price and what options cost, but the dealer's quote will be different.

Saving and sharing your configuration

If you create a free Ford account, you can save your configuration and come back to it later. Click "Save This Build" at the end of the process, give it a name, and it will stay in your account. You can then modify it, compare it to other builds, or share the link with someone else.

Without an account, you can still print the summary page or email it to yourself. The summary includes your selections, the MSRP, and usually a configuration code that a dealer can use to look up your exact build. Some dealers can use this code to search their inventory or order the vehicle with those exact specs.

Taking your configuration to a dealer

Once you have a configuration you like, contact a Ford dealer near you. You can bring the printed summary, email them the link, or just tell them the trim and options you want. The dealer will give you a real quote that includes their actual price (which may be higher or lower than MSRP), destination charges, taxes, and fees.

The dealer can also tell you whether they have that exact vehicle in stock or how long it would take to order one. If you are ordering a custom vehicle, lead times vary — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes several months depending on Ford's production schedule and current demand. The dealer handles the actual order and financing; the Build and Price tool is just the planning step.

What the tool does not do

Build and Price does not reserve a vehicle, lock in a price, or hold a configuration for you. It is a planning and comparison tool. You cannot purchase through it, and creating a configuration does not create any obligation on your part or Ford's part. You can build 20 different trucks and never contact a dealer.

The tool also does not show you real-time inventory at dealers near you, though some Ford websites have a separate inventory search tool. Build and Price is about configuring what you want; finding what is actually available is a separate step you do with a dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a vehicle directly through Build and Price?

No. Build and Price is a configuration tool only. You must contact a Ford dealer to place an order. The dealer handles the purchase, financing, and delivery. You can use your configuration to show the dealer exactly what you want.

Does the price include shipping to my house?

The MSRP shown does not include destination charges (factory-to-dealer shipping). It also does not include taxes, registration, or dealer fees. Ask the dealer for a full quote that breaks down all costs before you commit.

What if I want a color or option that is not showing up?

Not all colors and options are available on all trims or in all years. The tool only shows what Ford currently offers for that model. If you do not see what you want, contact a dealer — they may know about upcoming options or be able to special-order something.

Can I compare two different vehicles side by side?

Most Ford Build and Price tools let you save multiple configurations in your account and view them together. If your account does not have this feature, you can open Build and Price in two browser windows and configure different models in each one.

How long does it take to get a vehicle I order?

Lead times depend on whether the dealer has the exact vehicle in stock or needs to order it from Ford. In-stock vehicles can sometimes be ready in days; custom orders typically take four to eight weeks, though this varies based on Ford's production schedule and current demand. The dealer will give you a specific timeframe when you place the order.